Program Enables "Snap" Shoppers to Use Their Benefits at Farmers Market

Greetings-

As part of my office's "Fit-in-Six" initiative, which aims to promote healthy and active lifestyles to the residents of District 6, I am excited to announce that Just Harvest will be bringing their "Fresh Access" program to the Northside farmers market, as well as the East Liberty market.

“Fresh Access” is a program that enables food stamp (SNAP) shoppers to use their benefits at Pittsburgh Citiparks Farmers Markets. Pittsburgh's farmers markets have long been a popular source of seasonal, locally produced, nutritious and affordable food. However, many local residents are not familiar with the markets or view them as unaffordable for low-income households. Now, in addition to helping people apply for SNAP benefits, Just Harvest’s “Fresh Access” program can also broaden food stamp recipients’ shopping choices while supporting regional farmers.

The program is available at the North Side and East Liberty markets, with plans to expand to all seven city-run sites, which run through November. Shoppers wishing to pay with credit, debit, or EBT cards should approach the Just Harvest tent at the markets. There, they swipe their card and receive wooden tokens, which work like cash at the market and are redeemable with all participating vendors. The service is free for food stamp shoppers, though credit and debit card users will be asked to contribute $1 per transaction to help cover program costs.

Vendors at the North Side farmers market sell a variety of fresh fruits and vegetables, meats, eggs, baked goods, honey, and coffee, among other things. The market is located in Allegheny Commons Park at the corner of East Ohio St and Cedar Ave and runs every Friday from 3:30pm-7:30pm through November 22.

We hope to see you there purchasing fresh, locally grown produce. As we say with "Fit-in-Six": A health community is a vibrant community.